New Delhi, May 22 -- The Supreme Court has dismissed writ petitions by Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel seeking relief on adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, without referencing its earlier oral observation that it wouldn't obstruct any government move to support the financially stressed telecom firms.

During a hearing on 19 May, a bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan had clarified that if the Centre chose to step in, the court would not stand in the way. "If the government wants to help you, we are not coming in your way," Pardiwala had said.

However, the court's written order, issued on 21 May, makes no reference to that remark, which was widely seen as a green light for possible relief. The omission carries signifi...